Have questions? We're here.
La Petite district in Strasbourg

Romantic Rhine

Northbound - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Illumination
Talk with an expert
Customize any aspect of your Rhine River trip. 1.406.541.2677
Help Me Plan My Trip
Talk with an expert Ask a Question
Board on Avalon Illumination and join this romantic Rhine river cruise that will take you from Basel to Amsterdam. Choose your preferred excursion between visiting the famous Black Forest or a calming visit to Badischer Winzerkeller. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, towering magnificently over the city, or stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Be amazed by the soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral in Cologne before disembarking in Amsterdam where you may take a guided optional excursion to Keukenhof Gardens during tulip season.

Day-by-Day Summary

Day 1 : Basel, Switzerland | Embark
Day 2 : Breisach
Day 3 : Strasbourg
Day 4 : Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg | Mainz
Day 5 : Rüdesheim | Rhine Gorge | Koblenz
Day 6 : Cologne
Day 7 : Amsterdam
Day 8 : Amsterdam | Disembark

Highlights

  • Tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim
  • Join an excursion to the unrivaled natural beauty of Black Forest
  • Visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
  • Explore the Heidelberg Castle, Great Vat or Gutenberg Museum in Mainz

Ship

Avalon Illumination

Places Visited

Activities

Trip Type

  • Small Ship

Activity Level

Relaxed

Trip Snapshots

La Petite district in Strasbourg Visit castle ruins in the German countryside Explore the historic old town Koblenz Explore Cologne Explore quaint towns along the Rhine

Day 1 Basel, Switzerland | Embark

Welcome to Switzerland. Your suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Zürich must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Set sail while enjoying dinner on your first night onboard.

Day 2 Breisach

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discovery: Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:

Discovery: Visit Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting.

In the morning, join a guided optional excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

Day 3 Strasbourg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a city sightseeing tour, including Strasbourg’s s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

You may also join a guided optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line—an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
 

Day 4 Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg | Mainz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Enjoy a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel," OR:

Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below.

Alternatively, enjoy a brief cruise to Mainz this afternoon and join our included tour. Enjoy a Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

MAINZ
Classic: Enjoy a guided city walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

Day 5 Rüdesheim | Rhine Gorge | Koblenz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discovery: Take a guided tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR:

Discovery: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim.

You can also relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.

KOBLENZ
Travel Through 2000 Years Of Monumental History in Koblenz and enjoy your free time before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
 

Day 6 Cologne

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided city walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR:

Discovery: Choose a guided walking tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

Day 7 Amsterdam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” 

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

Day 8 Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
 

Avalon Illumination

Avalon Illumination Exterior
Avalon Illumination
Launched in 2014, the beautiful Avalon Illumination, a sister to the Avalon Expression, cruises along the legendary Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers.

Deals

Flexible Rebooking Policy
Travelers currently booked on departures from March 14-June 30, 2020 can rebook to any voyage departing before December 31, 2022, with no rebooking fees. Plus, receive a travel credit of $200 per person redeemable for future travel. 
Applies to all departures up to Dec 31, 2020
Flexible New Booking Policy
For new reservations made from March 24, 2020, forward travelers have the option to cancel their trip up to three days prior to departure and normal cancellation penalties will be waived. Deposits remain non-refundable. Some restrictions may apply. Contact us for more details.
Applies to all departures up to Dec 31, 2020
Per person starting at
$3,599
Select a Date
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Select a Date
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.

Notes

Throughout the Ship:
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Panoramic windows
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Suites & Staterooms:
  • Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Premium L'Occitane bath products
  • Large bathroom featuring a shower with glass door
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe
  • USB Ports
  • Complimentary bottled water daily
  • And, much more.
Health & Fitness:
  • Bikes
  • Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Maps for hiking, biking, and jogging routes
  • Fitness and wellness activities
  • Fitbits®
  • All through your Avalon Adventure Host
Dining:
  • FlexDining for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
  • Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Early and Late Riser breakfast options
  • Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
  • Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
  • Alternative light lunch at Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
  • Daily Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats & sandwiches
  • Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes, and vegetarian options.
  • Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro - a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
  • Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
  • Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
  • Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
  • Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Notes:
  • In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences.
Payment & Cancellation Policies
Travel Agents
Tanesia Brazington employee headshot
Tanesia B

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block

Why Travel With Adventure Life

More Reasons

Awards and Accolades

All News
CatalogPlan My Trip
Tanesia Brazington employee headshot
Tanesia B
Make an Inquiry
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118